Nearly 700 employees at an aluminum smelter in Hawesville may lose their jobs because the power costs to operate the plant are too high. Century Aluminum Company says it gave a 12-month notice Monday to terminate its power contract with Big Rivers Electric Corp.

The Kentucky Public Service Commission will hold public meetings this month looking for comment on a new environmental compliance plan by Big Rivers Electric Corporation. Big Rivers is seeking PSC authorization to spend over $283 million to comply with new federal environmental requirements. Spokesman Marty Littrel said these investment costs will trickle down to the customer in coming years. Big Rivers provides wholesale power to its owners, Jackson Purchase Energy, Kenergy, and Meade County Rural Electric corporations.

The Kentucky Public Service Commission will hold public hearings next month in Paducah and Henderson to get input on a proposal raising rates for Big Rivers Electric Corporation customers. Big Rivers wants to spend about $284 million to comply with new federal environmental requirements affecting utilities that burn coal to generate electricity.